Ninh Bình is not only renowned for its poetic landscapes and rich history but also takes pride in being the only locality in Vietnam that is home to two churches honored by the Catholic Church with the title of “Minor Basilica”: Sở Kiện Basilica and Phú Nhai Basilica.
Sở Kiện Basilica
The Sở Kiện Basilica, located in Châu Sơn Ward, was built in the late 19th century. It is not only a major spiritual destination but also a unique architectural masterpiece blending Eastern and Western styles, leaving a lasting impression on many visitors.
The church stands out for its immense scale compared to most Catholic churches in Vietnam: 67 meters long, 31 meters wide, and 23 meters high. Its soaring dome, massive stone columns, and spacious interior create an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur.
The church façade is a delicate work of sculpture that highlights Gothic architectural features with pointed arches that expand the space and add visual depth. Symmetrical spires with sharp tips reaching toward the sky symbolize the aspiration to God. Intricate bas-reliefs depict biblical stories, further enriching the sacred beauty of the church.
Sở Kiện has a large bell tower housing four bronze bells cast in France in the 19th century. The largest bell weighs over one ton. When they ring, the sound resonates for kilometers, filling the surroundings with a solemn and sacred atmosphere. This bell system is one of the oldest and most precious in Vietnam.
Inside, visitors are captivated by the vast space supported by solid stone columns. The high vaulted ceiling is adorned with exquisite Western-style decorations, while the stained-glass windows beautifully illustrate biblical scenes, creating a shimmering light effect when sunlight passes through.
The main altar, carved from a single block of stone, features intricate hand-engraved patterns. Statues of saints, sculpted from wood and stone and gilded with gold, showcase a harmonious blend of Catholic art and Vietnamese cultural elements.
The most remarkable feature of Sở Kiện is its preservation of the relics of 26 Vietnamese martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the faith during the persecutions under the Nguyễn Dynasty. A special crypt within the church safeguards their remains and relics, making Sở Kiện not only an architectural and religious landmark but also a significant pilgrimage center for Vietnamese Catholics.
In recognition of its profound architectural, historical, and cultural values, in 2010 the Vatican granted Sở Kiện the title of “Basilica,” making it one of only four churches in Vietnam to receive this honor.
Phú Nhai Basilica
Phú Nhai Church, located in Xuân Hưng Commune, Bùi Chu Diocese, Ninh Bình Province, is one of the largest churches in Vietnam and is often referred to as “the largest Minor Basilica in Southeast Asia.”
The original Phú Nhai Church was a wooden structure with a thatched roof, built in 1866 by Father Emmanuel Rianô Hòa. After several reconstructions, from March 2003 to September 2004, it was rebuilt on a 2,160-square-meter plot, measuring 80 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 30 meters high. Particularly striking are its two bell towers, each 44 meters tall, standing at the front. They house four bells imported from France, including a massive two-ton bell reserved for major celebrations.
Phú Nhai bears the hallmarks of Gothic architecture, a style that flourished in Western Europe during the late Middle Ages.
The church façade consists of three levels. The top level features two bell towers with numerous columns resembling giant candles. All three layers of doors are designed as soaring pointed arches.
In front of the church stands a 17-meter-tall statue of Saint Dominic, the Catholic saint who founded the Dominican Order in the 12th century—the very order that first brought Christianity to Vietnam in the 16th century.
Stepping inside, visitors are impressed by the grandeur of Gothic design, with its lofty pointed vaults that create a magnificent and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Phú Nhai is also a sacred site that preserves relics of martyrs, enhancing its spiritual significance for pilgrims and visitors alike.
With its long history and majestic architecture, on August 12, 2008, the Vatican elevated Phú Nhai to the status of Minor Basilica. Worldwide, there are only four Major Basilicas (all in Italy) and 1,575 Minor Basilicas. Vietnam is home to four Minor Basilicas: Sở Kiện (Hà Nam), La Vang (Quảng Trị), Notre-Dame Cathedral (Ho Chi Minh City), and Phú Nhai (Nam Định).
The presence of the two Minor Basilicas—Phú Nhai and Sở Kiện—not only highlights the deep-rooted history and resilience of Catholicism in the Red River Delta but also enriches Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual landscape. They serve not only as spiritual anchors for the faithful but also as unique architectural landmarks that attract visitors from across the country and around the world.